Milwaukee Bucks released Damian Lillard after two years and he is now returning to the Portland Trailblazers, an idea that almost the entire NBA community liked. Even Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to agree about this development.
The Antetokounmpo-Lillard era did not bear any significant glory for the team – except the 2024 NBA Cup. Things got worse by April in the playoffs when it was confirmed that Dame won’t be able to play for almost the entire 2025-26 season, leaving the Bucks with a massive problem about their ability to contend.
They found a common ground eventually and that is the painful separation. Lillard was released through a stretched-waive provision. He will receive around $22 million a year instead of the $100 million he was supposed to bag for his two more years with the Bucks.
The Bucks then got have better salary cap and allowed them to sign Myles Turner for four years worth $108.9 million.
The best part of this development, most especially for Lillard, is that he gets to return to Portland after Thursday news revealed that he signed a three-year, $42 million deal to be at home again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts to Damian Lillard-Blazers reunion
The separation is appearing amicable in the last few weeks and any notion that Giannis had a say in his release should be thrown now.
Antetokounmpo was among the first ones to like Lillard’s post about his return to Rip City.
View this post on Instagram
Antetokounmpo hasn’t made a full statement about Lillard’s release but he made a few posts that signals they are in good terms. The other one is his repost of Dame’s new shoe on Instagram.
The Greek Freak is not the only one happy for this fairy tale reunion between Lillard and Portland.
Among the NBA players who reacted on his IG post are Gilbert Arenas and his former teammates Joe Hard, Moe Harkless.
Lillard will only be able to play by the 2026-27 season. The question now is if Blazers organization will still go for the title in the years Dame will be with them.
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